Water brainwave saves the day

THE tennis is over but the controversial "rebound ace" surface
at Rod Laver Arena is set to continue causing headaches.

Plans to hold Games gymnastics competition at the arena have
been complicated by the sensitivities of the special flooring,
which was criticised for playing "too slowly" during the Australian
Open.

Games organisers have been told they cannot drill the gymnastics
equipment  such as vaults, pommel horses, rings, and bars
 into the floor, as it would irreparably damage the tennis
surface.

After considering several options, organisers decided on a
bizarre water-weighting system, where the equipment is held in
place by 28 giant tubs of water hidden beneath the competition
floor. The tubs will hold 16,320 litres of what a Melbourne 2006
spokeswoman described as "murky dam water".

Organisers said that all the water would be discarded on a
nearby field when the Games end.

Environment Minister John Thwaites endorsed the plan and
promised to ensure the Games were "water-wise".